st. john paul ii catholic high school - advancement newsletter … · 2011. 2. 4. · key wins for...

Advancement NewsletterPope John Paul II Catholic High School

V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Ribbon CuttingPhotos 2-3

Gala Report 4

FABC Donation 5

Gifts 6

NamingOpportunities 7

From Our Chairs 8

ADVANCEMENT NEWSLETTER | 7301 Old Madison Pike, Huntsville, Alabama 35806 | 256.430.1760 | www.jp2falcons.org

By Connie Gerlach, Director of Advancement

Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on October 29, 2010, completed a dream: we have our new facility – beautiful, utilitarian and spacious. To all who accepted the task to build and stood accountable to see it to completion, we extend our deepest gratitude.

Yet the task does not end with inhabiting these walls. Indeed, Bishop Baker characterized the ribbon cutting as “symbolizing a crossroads that we have entered.”

The Bishop said that “An old task, monumental in scope is being completed. A new task is at hand, also a monumental one. Paying off the debt is a small part of the task at hand. Educating and forming students is the formidable task before us.” This last sentence, in particular, reminds us of the mission we have been given to accomplish in this wonderful facility.

Bishop Baker’s words remind us that we have the task at hand to pay off the remainder of the debt to build the new school – $2 million more to complete the $13 million cost of our wonderful new facility. To finish this goal, we begin, again, in earnest. To quote our board chairs Reverend Louis Giardino and Ms. Nancy Archuleta, “We are one in the Spirit and great things have come to pass. We have graduated great students who have gone on to success. We have witnessed to the larger community the great love and service that Catholics hold for everyone. We have grown because of God’s Blessing. LET’S FINISH STRONG!!”

Let us all look to God’s grace and blessing as we work together to the finish.

Our thanks to all of you: you have done great things.

“For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and

another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.”

– I C O R I N T H I A N S 3 : 9 - 1 1

Our Dream, A Reality

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONYPope John Paul II Catholic High School • October 29, 2010

2 ADVANCEMENT NEWSLETTER | 7301 Old Madison Pike, Huntsville, Alabama 35806 | 256.430.1760 | www.jp2falcons.org

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1. Bishop Baker prepares to cut the ribbon. Joining him, (from left) Nancy Archuleta, Fr. Bazzel, Bishop Baker, Mayor Tommy Battle (not visible), Bishop Foley, Fr. Louis, Mayor Paul Finley, Joseph Newchurch ’11, Linda J. Smith, Principal Aquila, Irma Tuder, Superintendent Fran Lawlor, Diocesan Director of Catholic Education and Lifelong Formation Frank Savage and Diocesan Chief Financial Officer Robert Sellers; Aymeric Zuurhout ’11 (left) and Joseph Bayer ’11; 3. Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree; 4. Members of Broken and Shared; 5. Irma Tuder presents Bishop Baker and Principal Aquila with a commemorative plaque from the Chamber of Commerce; 6. Bishop Baker and Bishop Foley with area priests and deacons; 7. Bishop Baker blesses the new gymnasium; 8. In front of the school, before the ceremony.

ADVANCEMENT NEWSLETTER | 7301 Old Madison Pike, Huntsville, Alabama 35806 | 256.430.1760 | www.jp2falcons.org 3

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9. Principal Vince Aquila; 10. Linda J. Smith and Bishop Baker at the Ribbon Cutting Dinner; 11. (From left) Fr. Bazzel, Fr. Jerabek, Butch and Jerry Damson, Linda J. Smith and Bishop Baker after the blessing of the chalice and paten; 12. Carol and Frank Chapuran with St. John’s Principal Sherry Lewis (center); 13. Fr. Louis; 14. Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; 15. Ribbon Cutting Dinner Co-chairs Angela Koons and Maya Gilmore.


GALA 2010: Truly A Time To Celebrate

(Above, from left) Gala Co-Chairs Beth Boyer and Michelle Kloske with Principal Vince Aquila and Master of Ceremonies, Liz Hurley. (Above right, from left) Beth Boyer; Michelle Kloskle; Jennifer Henken; Mr. Toan Vu and Mrs. Kim Vu, raffle car winner; Deke Damson and Bruce Park. (Middle right, from left) Grantt Childress, Jan Hess and Andrea Dull. (Bottom right, from left) Bob Tourville, Cindy Hess, Diocesan School Superintendent Fran Lawlor and Ted Stevenson. (Above left, from left) Mr. and Mrs. Vu. (Lower left) Leta Hix, Barbara Romei and Kerri Kay.

The highlight of the evening was the drawing for the Honda CR-V LX, with Father Patrick Nelson, Associate Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Huntsville, doing the honors of selecting a random ticket. Other key wins for the evening were Mr. Tacey Viegas, who took home the “treasure chest” of alcoholic beverages, sponsored by Friends of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School; and Mr. Steven Kirsch, winner of the laptop computer package, sponsored by F1 Solutions, Inc., Huntsville. Dinner music was provided by the Rocket City Orchestra. Mr. Greg Thompson, Youth Minister at St. John the Baptist Church and former teacher and counselor at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, served as the event’s auctioneer and provided dance music for the evening.

Thank you to our co-chairs, Beth Boyer and Michelle Kloske, for organizing a fantastic evening, and thank you to all in attendance for your support of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. Overall, this year’s Gala raised $91,000 which will be used to fund technological advancements and academic programs for the school.

More than 487 guests gathered for “A Time to Celebrate,” the fourteenth annual Gala for Pope John Paul II Catholic High School hosted by this year’s Co-chairs Beth Boyer and Michelle Kloske. The school’s Parent Association sponsored the event, held November 13, at the Von Braun Center North Hall. Ms. Liz Hurley, founder of the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund, was master of ceremonies for the evening of dinner, auctions, drawings and dancing. Ms. Kim Vu won this year’s raffle Grand Prize, a 2010 Honda CR-V LX, sponsored by Jerry Damson Honda. Winner of the “Diamonds on Ice,” .43 carat natural Round Brilliant diamond, was Ms. Karen Harmon-Smith. Mr. Fred Kummer won the Electra Bicycle, sponsored by Madison Cycles; and Mr. Tim McLaughlin won the iPad, sponsored by Drs. Graham and Limbaugh and Dr. Mike Brown of Huntsville. Principal Vince Aquila said, “This was a wonderful event. The money raised here tonight will benefit Pope John Paul II Catholic High School and its students for years to come. It is inspiring to see this level of support from our parents, friends, local businesses and volunteers.”


FABC Makes Donation at Inaugural GameText here...

varsity Lady Falcons, led by Coach Don Ramsey, won their contest 35 to 27, and the junior varsity Falcons, under the direction of Coach Glenn Hagood, beat the Lions 41-32. Coach Laura McDonald and the varsity Lady Falcons won a thrilling overtime match 57-53; and the varsity Falcons, led by Coach Stuart Allen, topped the Lions 73-31.

At the conclusion of the varsity Lady Falcons match, representatives from the Falcon Athletic Booster Club (FABC) presented Principal Vince Aquila, accepting on behalf of the Advancement Office, with a check for $40,000. The gift, to support the Pope John Paul II Catholic High School Capital Campaign, was made to purchase the Naming Opportunity for the school’s athletic concession stand. A plaque will designate that this area has been dedicated to the FABC.

Ted Stevenson, President of the FABC; Paul Tygielski, Immediate Past President; Jim Baltar, Treasurer; Michael Balch, Immediate Past Treasurer; and John Zierdt, Immediate Past Golf Chair, participated in the presentation at center court.

“This donation is an outward symbol of the dedication and service by our parents and community, and the first rate support they provide for student athletes at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School,” said Stevenson.

“This is a wonderful gesture of support from the Falcon Athletic Booster Club,” said Connie Gerlach, Advancement Director. “We are most grateful for their gift to the Capital Campaign and their commitment to providing a facility to benefit our children well into the future.”

The FABC supports over 19 athletic activities available to students at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School by providing uniforms and equipment with funds earned at their annual Falcon Classic Golf Tournament.

A crowd of nearly 800 students, faculty and friends filled the new gymnasium of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School to cheer on the boys and girls, varsity and junior varsity basketball teams for the first true home game in the school’s 14 year history.

The Falcons squared off against the Lions of Brindlee Mountain High School, Guntersville. The junior

Representatives from the Falcon Athletic Booster Club (FABC) present Principal Vince Aquila with a donation to the school’s Capital Campaign. Shown (from left) are FABC President Ted Stevenson; Jim Baltar, Treasurer; Paul Tygielski, Immediate Past President; John Zierdt, Immediate Past Golf Chair; Michael Balch, Immediate Past Treasurer and Principal Aquila.

Gift of $40,000 in support of the Capital Campaign, made to

purchase Naming Opportunity for the school’s concession stand.

PART-TIME DATABASE MANAGERThe Pope John Paul II Catholic High School

Advancement Office is seeking a part-time database manager.

Hours:9 a.m. – Noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday.

Responsibilities:• Manage Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge database.• Conduct sophisticated merges for direct mail and web-based solicitations.• Manage Advancement Office mailings and conduct prospect research.

Requirements:Experience in database software - fundraising software experience preferred; Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with a minimum of three years experience; mastery of Microsoft Word and Excel a must; excellent organization and communication skills; experience in a non-profit organization or school preferred.

E-mail resume and qualifications to:Connie Gerlach, Advancement Director

[email protected]

For a more detailed job description, visit www.jp2falcons.org.

will, once again, partner with

DOE RUN FARM

POPE JOHN PAUL IICATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Enjoy good eating,

direct from the

farm, and support

Pope John Paul II

Catholic High

School!

For more information, call (256) 430-1760, extension 150

or visit our website: www.jp2falcons.org.

The Advancement Office needs Special Event Volunteers! If you would be interested in helping to plan or assisting with an Advancement Office function, please call Connie Gerlach at (256) 430-1760, extension 150 or e-mail [email protected].


Give a gift that will

always be remembered!

Special Donations Made To Our SchoolText here... studied under François Marius Granet. He traveled

with Granet to Rome in 1829, and in 1845 became the director of the School of Practical Design at Marseilles. He was awarded the Légion d’honneur in 1855.

“Kathy and I are happy that this painting is going to a place where we have an association,” said Dr. Straub. Visitors to Pope John Paul II Catholic High School will be able to view the painting in the school’s Multi-Purpose Room.

Hand-carved Bust of JPII Donated By Leahys

Dr. Joseph Leahy and his wife, Ginny, along with their two sons, Keith, a 2009 graduate of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, and Stephen, currently a sophomore, have presented the school with a hand-carved bust of the Holy Father, now proudly enshrined in the school’s Library/Media Center.

The bust stands 18 inches tall, and was carved by Master Woodcarver, Ladislav Repka of Rajec, Slovakia. While on travel to Slovakia in August of 2010, Reverend Bryan Jerabek, Chaplain of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School and Associate Pastor of Holy Spirit Church, commissioned the bust on behalf of the Leahy family.

Master Woodcarver Repka uses Linden wood for most of his carvings, which is a commonly-used wood for ecclesiastical woodworking. Its softness, light grain, and small number of blemishes make it ideal for producing statuary.

“Our family is thrilled with this beautifully carved work of art, and we are so pleased to present it to Pope John Paul II Catholic High School,” said Mrs. Leahy.

Above: (From left) Principal Vince Aquila, Reverend Bryan Jerabek, TC Zimmerman, Kathy Straub and Dr. James Straub with the Émile Loubon painting the Straubs have donated to Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. Upon restoration, the painting will be on display in the school’s Multi-Purpose Room. Below left: (From left) Reverend Bryan Jerabek, Keith Leahy ’09, Ginny Leahy, Dr. Joseph Leahy and Stephen Leahy ’13, with the bust of Pope John Paul II that they have procured for the new Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. The bust is currently on display in the school’s Library/Media Center.

Straubs Donate Painting

An oil-on-canvas painting by French Genre artist Émile Loubon (1809-1863), has been donated to Pope John Paul II Catholic High School by long-time school supporters Dr. James and Mrs. Kathy Straub. The Straubs are parishioners of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and their son Michael attended Pope John Paul II Catholic High School for his freshman and sophomore years. Completed in 1842 and signed by the artist, the painting depicts the Madonna and Child. It is approximately 63 inches by 89 inches, including the gold leaf frame, which is original to the work. Artist Loubon was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, and Thank You!


For more information, contactConnie Gerlach: [email protected]

Give a gift that will

always be remembered!

Gifts Received In Honor/Memory OfFor October 2010 – December 2010:

Atha Cahalan – In Memory of Paul Cahalan

Mary Ann Caissie – In Memory of Mark J. Richards

Robert Deig – In Honor of Rita Keown

and In Memory of Col. James Keown

Mary Krzyminski – In Honor of William J. Krzyminski

Rebecca Littleton – In Memory of Christian Bissel

Claude Thibault – In Memory of Henri and Jeanne Couverchel

Scholarship GiftsFor October 2010 – December 2010:

General Scholarship Fund

Anonymous

John and Kristine Kelley

Richard Jackson

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Margaret Pena

Make your tax-deductible donation to JPII in honor

or memory of someone special.

For ideas, please visit www.jp2falcons.org and

click on the following links: NAMING OPPORTUNITY

SPECIAL BENEFACTOR OPPORTUNITY

Pope John Paul II Catholic High School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, and/or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, student aid programs and athletic programs. Pope John Paul II Catholic High School understands the content of this newletter to be accurate, as of printing date.

For any corrections, please call 256.430.1760. © Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. Printed in the U.S.A.

Dates to Note ...Some community events are listed below.For details, please contact the sponsoring group.

Holy Spirit Bash January 29Freshman Decision Day February 14St. John’s Benefit Gala “Evening In Oz” February 26Broadway Revue March 4-5Holy Family Silent Auction March 5

SAVE THE DATE: Falcon Classic Golf Tournament - May 13

Connie Gerlach Director of Advancement

256/430.1760, Ext. [email protected]

We are off to a new year and a new beginning at Pope John Paul II Catholic High School. It was truly an inspirational moment when the doors of our beautiful new school opened in October. We sat in the parking lot watching the students enter. For so many of us, our dreams came true that day. The dream came to life because of the hard work and generosity of so many people. We are now in the final phase of our fundraising, and our goal is within reach. Reaching this goal is essential so that we can honor our commitment to the Diocese of Birmingham for the completion of construction.

We take pride in excellence. We focus on the mind, spirit and body. We can meet this final challenge.

Falcons to the top!

Sincerely,

From Our Capital Campaign Co-chairs

Dear Fellow Parents, Students, Alumni and Friends:

Grantt Childress and Jan Hess Childress

st. john paul ii catholic high school - advancement newsletter … · 2011. 2. 4. · key wins for...

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